See how he went from skinny legs to “The Quadfather”
Tom Platz carved out a legendary status in bodybuilding, often known for his colossal, shredded quads, but it was not something that was genetic. Sure, he had some of the best legs on the planet, but his lower body wasn’t always so impressive, which comes a shock to many, as he is recognized by his lower half. In a recent Instagram post on August 13, 2024, Platz shared that during his early years, he lacked significant leg muscles but transformed his physique through relentless squats and proper nutrition.
Let’s take a look at how Tom Platz went from having skinny legs to being “The Quadfather”.
Who is Tom Platz?
During bodybuilding’s golden era, Tom Platz went toe-to-toe with legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Frank Zane on the Mr. Olympia stage, pushing them to their limits. His brutal leg training methods became iconic, with top bodybuilders like Lee Priest recalling the sheer intensity of training sessions with Platz, likening them to a heart attack.
Platz’s legs weren’t just for show—they were vital to his incredible strength. He long held the record for squatting 525 pounds for 23 reps, a feat unmatched until 2023, when World’s Strongest Man and Arnold Strongman Classic champion Mitchell Hooper finally broke it.
Even in retirement, Platz maintains a formidable physique. On his 69th birthday, he shared a side-by-side photo on Instagram, comparing his shredded quads from 1988 to 2024, demonstrating his enduring fitness and the success of the practices he implemented decades earlier. Needless to say, he’s still got it.
How Tom Platz Grew His Legs
In a video recently posted on Instagram, Platz revealed that his now-famous quads were not always his strong suit, and in fact he was told that they were a weak point by Joe Weider. It wasn’t until high school that he discovered his natural aptitude for squats, leading to rapid leg growth. “I didn’t have striated quads from the start,” Platz explained. “In high school, my legs were weak, but once I started squatting, everything changed—I realized I was made for the squat.”
Platz also mentioned that his diet was straightforward, focusing on protein and carbohydrates, making sure that he got enough of each to recover and grow. He ate whatever was served for lunch at school and whatever his mother prepared for dinner, which usually included pork chops, ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables. Occasionally, he treated himself to pizza after workouts, enjoying it with his family (which is actually a good carbohydrate refill).
Can You Grow Legs Like That?
For those looking to build legs like the ‘Quadfather,’ Lee Priest has shared Platz’s leg extension failure technique, but he warns that Platz’s routines are not for the faint of heart. Platz has also emphasized the importance of whole foods over supplements, advising against relying on egg whites and whey protein, which he finds less effective and enjoyable.
Platz’s approach shows that achieving a legendary physique requires dedication in the gym and nourishing the body with wholesome foods. His intense methods have stood the test of time, leaving behind a legacy of iconic quads that continue to inspire the bodybuilding community.
Will you be trying Tom Platz’s leg day? Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
